Walker Turner Press question

[OffRoadNut]

Hey Gents

Great site.
I've learned quite a bit in the couple months I've been lurking around. I found this site while looking to buy a tool box. I did wind up finding and buying a 30" Matco that was in good shape. (after reading threads about assorted boxes of course). I'll post a picture as soon as I figure out how to.

I'm in the market for a drill press and came across an old Walker Turner 20in floor model thats in pretty good shape. I was excited and was going to buy it until I found out it was 3 phase. I came home and read a couple of the threads on converters and VFDs. I don't really understand how they work but I guess as long as it works it all good.

I'm not sure if its worth going that route or maybe swapping in a single phase 220v motor of equal hp.
I have limited funds for a drill and I really didn't want to buy a cheap import box store model (No offense).

I'd like to ask for some advice from other owners of such presses. Is it worth the trouble converting VFD or motor swap or wait for a similar single phase unit and hope that its in the same condition.

Any advise or info given is appreciated.
TIA

 

[Packard V8]

Yes, to all of the above.

It's the best deal to run a DP on a VFD controlled 3-phase. You get infinitely variable full torque speeds.

Yes, a 3/4hp single phase will come along cheap and you can do it that way.

Both work well.

jack vines

 

[tool_scrounge]

One advantage of 3 phase + VFD is you can get your drill press to run a lot slower for drilling metal with larger drills. A lot of drill presses were set up to run a bit too fast for 1/2 drills in steel (like 600rpm).

 

[OffRoadNut]

Thanks Packard and Tool.

I think I will buy it and try to get it to work.
Are the VFDs plug and play. One end into 110v outlet with 220v plug out?

I was just surfing eBay and there is not much description, but the price for a 2-3hp unit ranges from approx $125 up.

TIA

 

[justanengineer]

Read the specs for the VFD carefully. In industry we use them a lot for motor control and theres quite a few possibilities for input and outputs. 1.5 hp and below VFDs are popular with 110V/1 phase input and 220/3 output. Conversely, there are such things as 3 ph in/1 out and dam near every combination of 110, 220, or even 440 voltages in and/or out.

To answer your question tho, the only 110V input VFDs Ive seen are 1.5 hp and below, but I havent bought a VFD in about 2 years now so never know. FWIW, Ive got a pair of Teco FM50s on my Bport and lathe, both 1 hp 110V/1 in and 220/3 out. They work great and were ~$75 shipped a few years ago. Not sure Id call them plug and play, if youre like me youll want a small electrical enclosure to protect it and some DIN rail to mount connections plus the wire, shrink wrap, etc. Its nothing overly difficult but basic electrical harnessing. Some folks dont mind setups that look cobbled, but I do.

 

[Packard V8]

No, a VFD is not plug and play, but it's not rocket science either. Do some research and you can find a week's worth of reading and recommendations.

What horsepower motor does your DP have?

jack vinves

 

[OffRoadNut]

Thanks Packard V8 and justanengineer.

Even though the converter/VFD sounds very do-able. I think I'm going to pass on this DP. Its way overkill for my garage, and the 3ph deal, well it might be more hassle than its worth.
Its a great looking vintage tool, though.

I'll just have to keep looking. One day I'll find a nice benchtop or small floor model that'll be right up my alley.

Thanks again

 

[rsanter]

Before you pass on it, how much for the drill press
A 20" WT is a hell of a drill press, don't pass on it it's a screaming deal.
If nothing else,if it's cheap,enough you can get it and trade it foe one more the size you want

Bob

 

[OffRoadNut]

I thought about that Bob.

He's asking $175. From the pic and the description price seems good. Used in a shop thats closing. He said the only thing wrong is a broken return spring, hes been using the friction lever for control.
I'm not sure if I pick it up, I'll be able to trade it.
I love the thought of having a 20"model. But I have to be a little more realistic for my use and space.

Is $175 a fair price or a great price?

Thanks for the suggestion. Now you have me thinking again.

 

[rsanter]

175 I think is very fair and you should get it
If you are lacking space you can make a toolbox or cart that will roll into the space at the bottom of the DP so you still have storage there and roll it out to use the drill press.
You could incorperate the DP into a workbench so it dosent take muck more room that a bench model.
You may even be able to just crank the table up and store you exsisting toolbox there with the DP.
You can also put it on a roller base and sill it into the corner and just roll it out to use it

Bob

 

[OffRoadNut]

Ok Bob, you talked me into it you fast talker you.

I wanted to pick it up the other day so bad. I started doubting the purchase when I found out about the 3ph. I've been thinking about it since.

I called the guy tonight but there was no answer, I'm going to try again in the morning. Although, with my luck its probably sold. I'll let you know how I made out. Hopefully I'll be posting pics.

Speaking of pics, I've seen this drill press in 2 colors: Grey and Green.
Are they both OEM colors for the same press? The one I'm looking at is grey.

Thanks again Bob. I guess I just needed a second opinion (or push) because I know little about the tool.

BTW when I told the wife I found another good forum, she just shook her head and said how much is this one going to cost us.
If she only knew.